When Louisville challenged on Thursday night, NC State found answers. There is no better example of this than State’s utterly crucial touchdown drive late in the third quarter. That drive started badly.
Louisville had just knocked through a long field goal to cut the margin to 17-13, and with about 20 minutes to go, it was a pivotal moment in the game. Could NC State get past the mistakes it had made up to this point and put some distance between in and the Cardinals?
The initial answer was no. With 5:11 remaining, NC State took possession and immediately suffered a five-yard penalty for having too many men in the huddle.